The Canyon's structure impacts the local water circulation, and creates an upwelling of nutrient-rich water from the deeper regions of the oceans. This upwelling is what supports the active marine wildlife observed in the region. Additionally, the canyon interacts with other major ocean currents, such as the Bering Slope Current which flows along continental slope that brings nutrient rich water from the Arctic.

In 2016, Michelle Ridgeway explored the canyon piloting